SECTION F-408 FAMILY CHILD DAY CARE FACILITIES

Add Sections F-408.1 through F-408.5.2 as follows:

F-408.1 General. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act (UCC), and Section B-429 of the Philadelphia Building Code, child day care facilities are permitted to operate in a one- or two-family dwelling unit (home) provided the facility conforms to this Section.

   F-408.1.1 Child care facilities within a dwelling unit. A dwelling unit where child day care services are provided for 12 or fewer children shall be classified as an R-3 occupancy and as a Family Child Day Care Facility, provided that it is in accordance with all of the following:

      1.   The dwelling unit is contained within a one- or two-family dwelling.

      2.   Child day care services are provided for less than 24 hours.

      3.   The dwelling unit is used primarily as a private residence.

      4.   The provision of child day care services is accessory to the principal use of the dwelling unit as a residence.

   F-408.1.2 License. A license to operate a Family Child Day Care Facility shall be required pursuant to Section F-105.6.2.

F-408.2 Fire extinguisher. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C shall be mounted in the portion of the building used for the Family Child Day Care Facility and in kitchens and other cooking areas used by the Family Child Day Care Facility.

F-408.3 Portable heating devices. Portable heating devices that produce an open flame shall not be used in buildings during the operating hours of a Family Child Day Care Facility.

F-408.4 Six or fewer children. Family Child Day Care Facilities that are classified as Group R-3 occupancies pursuant to Section B-429.1.1 of the Philadelphia Building Code with six or fewer children shall comply with Sections F-408.4.1 and F-408.4.2.

   F-408.4.1 Smoke alarms. A single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in each story including basements. The smoke alarms shall be powered by either the building wiring system or 10-year, non-removable batteries, both of which shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories and shall sound an alarm when activated that is audible to persons in the dwelling unit's indoor child care spaces with all intervening doors closed. Where battery powered smoke alarms are used, the building owner shall keep the proof and date of purchase of the smoke alarms in the unit's fire drill logs.

   F-408.4.2 Means of egress. The dwelling unit and the accessory Family Child Day Care Facility shall comply with the means of egress requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 (relating to Family Child Day Care Facilities).

F-408.5 Seven to 12 children. Family Child Day Care Facilities that are classified as Group R-3 occupancies pursuant to Section B-429.1.1 of the Philadelphia Building Code that provide child day care services to more than six but no more than 12 children shall comply with Sections F-408.5.1 through F-408.5.2.

   F-408.5.1 Smoke alarms. Interconnected, multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in each story including basements. The smoke alarms shall be powered by the building wiring system and shall sound an alarm when activated that is audible to persons in the dwelling unit's indoor child care spaces with all intervening doors closed.

   F-408.5.2 Means of egress. The dwelling unit and the accessory Family Child Day Care Facility shall comply with the means of egress requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280 (relating to Group Child Day Care Facilities).